at the direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that an action is being taken based on someone's instructions or guidance. Example: "The project was completed at the direction of the team leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The words "coördination with" and "at the direction of" will haunt the Trump Presidency.

The New Yorker

"They do so at the direction of the president".

The New York Times

Moreover, the second variation vanishes only at the direction of conformal deformation.

Princeton University

The M.P.'s being prosecuted claim their actions came at the direction of M.I.

The New York Times

The fixing will now be done at the direction of a federal judge.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Myers refused to resign, Burleson, acting at the direction of the President, removed him.

Cornell University

There will be no memorial service at the direction of the deceased.

The New York Times

Then he saw the gun was being "levelled at the direction I was in.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

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Vice

He told the court at the time that he did so at the direction of Trump.

The Guardian

SoCal Gas and city attorneys negotiated the agreement at the direction of Los Angeles Superior Court.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the direction" to clearly indicate that an action or decision was made based on someone else's instructions or authority. This can help to establish accountability and provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "at the direction" if the action was not explicitly instructed. Ensure there's a clear chain of command or instruction to avoid misrepresenting responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the direction" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating that an action was performed because someone instructed or ordered it. It emphasizes the source of the instruction. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showing it's used to link actions to specific authorities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the direction" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action was performed following specific instructions or orders. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. It's a formal phrase used to assign responsibility and provide justification for actions, with alternatives like "as instructed by" or "on the orders of" offering similar meanings. When writing, ensure that the instruction is clear and direct to avoid misattribution. The high source quality and expert rating highlight the phrase's reliability and appropriateness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as instructed by

Directly states that someone followed instructions.

under the guidance of

Emphasizes the advisory aspect of the instruction.

on the orders of

Highlights the authoritative nature of the command.

acting on the advice of

Highlights the advisory aspect of the instruction.

by command of

Highlights the authoritative nature of the command.

following the lead of

Suggests imitation or following an example.

in accordance with the guidelines of

Emphasizes compliance with established rules.

under the supervision of

Focuses on the monitoring and oversight during the action.

as per the request of

Focuses on the request being the basis for action.

pursuant to the instructions of

More formal and legalistic way of saying under the instructions.

FAQs

How can I use "at the direction" in a sentence?

You can use "at the direction" to indicate that an action was carried out following someone's specific instructions. For example, "The funds were disbursed at the direction of the CEO."

What are some alternatives to saying "at the direction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as instructed by", "on the orders of", or "under the guidance of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use "at the direction"?

Yes, "at the direction" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or official contexts.

What's the difference between "at the direction" and "under the direction"?

While similar, "at the direction" implies a more direct instruction, whereas "under the direction" may suggest a more ongoing supervisory role. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a specific command or a continuous oversight.